England’s all-female boxing charity Athena Empowerment CIO made history on American soil at Beautiful Brawlers 12, going head-to-head with some of the USA’s highest-ranked female boxers in a night of unforgettable contests.

The event, hosted in Pacifica, California, featured Juniors, Youth and Elites from both nations, with every bout evenly matched and fiercely contested. For the first time in history, Mini-WBAN (Women’s Boxing Archive Network) belts were awarded to recognise outstanding performances and the Fight of the Night, making the occasion a landmark in women’s boxing.

Athena’s squad of 12 athletes flew in just days before, heading straight into training at Pacifica’s BabyFace Boxing Gym before stepping into the ring against the Americans. The trip was more than just competition—it was about proving that England’s female boxers belong on the world stage.

The stand-out moment for England came when Marshall Miller (70kg) was named Best England Boxer after defeating America’s No.1 Youth, Lauryn Elmore, in a thrilling split decision victory. Elmore, fresh from winning bronze in Germany, pushed Miller to the limit, but the Athena fighter rose to the challenge and claimed the win.

On the American side, Best USA Boxer went to Faith Gomez (52kg) following a spirited clash with England’s Lexi Joyce, where Gomez’s relentless counters secured her a victory. The Fight of the Night was awarded to Ava Quiñones (USA) versus Layla Khan (ENG), a non-stop battle that ended in Quiñones’ favour.

Athena also celebrated wins from Brooke Matthews (54kg), Nicole Evans (48kg Elite), Fleur Pearch (65kg), and Charlotte Emmett (65kg Elite), underlining the strength of England’s next generation of talent.

A spokesperson for Athena Empowerment reflected:
“This trip was about more than medals and belts—it was about giving our girls the chance to show the world what they’re capable of. They boxed with courage, skill and heart, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

USA vs England Results:

  • 48kg Ruby Lopez (USA) def. Mia Bradshaw (ENG)

  • 52kg Andrea Gutierrez (USA) def. Layla Martin (ENG)

  • 52kg Faith Gomez (USA) def. Lexi Joyce (ENG)

  • 52kg Alize Hernandez (USA) def. Jessie Chambers (ENG)

  • 54kg Brooke Matthews (ENG) def. Karma Farber (USA)

  • 54kg Ava Quiñones (USA) def. Layla Khan (ENG)

  • 57kg Alyssa Samorano (USA) def. Georgie Wilson (ENG)

  • 48kg Nicole Evans (ENG) def. Leslie Alvarez (USA)

  • 57kg Danna Pineda (USA) def. Grace Massey (ENG)

  • 65kg Fleur Pearch (ENG) def. Naveah Martinez (USA)

  • 65kg Charlotte Emmett (ENG) def. Emma Nyanet (USA)

  • 70kg Marshall Miller (ENG) def. Lauryn Elmore (USA)

With belts, accolades and invaluable experience gained, the California trip marked another milestone in Athena Empowerment’s mission to inspire, empower and showcase female boxing talent from the UK on the global stage.